Finland, officially the Republic of Finland (Finnish: Suomi, Suomen tasavalta, Swedish: Finland, Republiken Finland) is a country in northern Europe, a member of the European Union and the Schengen Agreement. It borders on the east with Russia, on the northwest with Sweden and on the north on Norway. In the south and west, the coast of the country is washed by the waters of the Baltic Sea and its gulfs - Finnish and Bothnian. Capital - .
The name of the country in Russian and many languages comes from the Swedish Finland (“country of the Finns”).
The Finnish name of the country is Suomi. For the first time it is recorded on the pages of Russian chronicles in the form Sum (with beginning of XII century). Originally, this was the name of the territory of what is now southwestern Finland (coastal areas), called Varsinais Suomi (real Finland). This word itself is also of Germanic origin, going back to an ancient Swedish word meaning detachment, group, gathering.
There are other versions of the origin of this name:
Some believe that the word Suomi comes from the Finnish word suomu (“scales”), as the ancient inhabitants made their clothes from fish skin.
According to another theory, the word Suomi was originally a proper noun. Indeed, the name Suomi was borne by a certain Danish nobleman who made peace with Charlemagne. The nobleman's name was preserved in the king's papers.
According to another version, the word Suomi is of Estonian origin. It is assumed that there was once an area called Sooma (Estonian soo - “swamp”, maa - “land”; literally: “land of swamps”). Settlers from this area transferred the name of their homeland to southwestern Finland, which also became known as Suomi.
Finland is increasingly called the “land of lakes,” and this is no coincidence: there are about 188 thousand of them here. About a third of all land is occupied by swamps. Such peculiar quirks of nature are explained by the fact that once the entire territory of the country was covered with a powerful glacial shell, which melted over time and, with its “departure,” significantly changed the landscapes.
But travelers are attracted to this marvelous region not only by the views. After all, what is hidden behind this external splendor is much more important and valuable. And there are untouched forests and rare animals living in them. Just think - it’s not uncommon to see moose walking freely along the roads!
The unique ecology is complemented by another purely geographical feature of the country: all residents or guests who come on holiday in Finland have the opportunity to personally experience the polar day or polar night. The sun first does not fall below the horizon for 73 days, and then, on the contrary, does not rise above the horizon for 50 days. This spectacle is quite unusual and very impressive, making tours to Finland something more than just a trip!
The main directions of tourism in the country of Suomi have become the organization of excellent fishing in crystal clear lake waters and recreation in the Finnish ski resorts of Levi, Ruka and Luosto. The first option will be the best offer for a summer holiday in Finland, and the second will successfully complement a winter holiday here. According to experts, fishing in Finland is something unimaginable, and ski tours to Finland are booked long before the official opening of the season.
Lovers of educational leisure will enjoy excursions around the historical part of the cities, and especially the capital of Finland - Helsinki, where at every step you can find sights of extraordinary beauty. In general, it is interesting to visit the cities of Finland - Tampere and Rovaniemi. Hiking in the forests, organized under the supervision of experienced foresters, is considered exciting.
Resorts in Finland have healing springs, which creates optimal conditions for creating balneological health resorts in Suomi. Therefore, trips to Finland can become not only enjoyable, but also incredibly useful.
When organizing a children's holiday in Finland, the ideal option would be a short trip to the Homeland of Santa Claus, whose name is Lapland. In addition to interesting stories and a fabulous mood, you will find relaxation here in a warm and cozy, almost homely atmosphere.
Time: Lags behind Moscow by 1 hour.
Holidays and non-working days: January 1 (New Year), January 6 (Epiphany), in February - Runeberg Day, April 2-5 (Easter), May 1 (Vapunpäivä Spring Festival), May 9 (Mother's Day), May 17 (Memorial Day) , May 13 (Ascension), May 23 (Trinity), June 20 (Midsummer Day), October 10 (Alexiev Kiwi Day), October 24 (UN Day), October 31 (All Saints Day), November 6 (Swedish Culture Day) , November 8 (Father's Day), December 6 (Independence Day), December 25-26 (Christmas).
Geography: State in northern Europe. It borders on Russia in the east and south, Norway in the north, and Sweden in the west. The southern coast is washed by the waters of the Gulf of Finland, the western coast by the waters of the Gulf of Bothnia. Almost a third of the country lies north of the Arctic Circle. The area of Finland is 338,145 sq. km.
Finland- a country of lakes, there are about 60,000 of them, the largest of which are Saimaa, Inari and Päijänne. The main rivers of the country are Tornio, Muonio, Kemi and Oulu, but only Oulu is navigable. Most of the territory is flat, mountainous terrain is located in the north-west of the country, where the highest point in Finland is also located - Mount Haltia (1324 m). Finland also owns the Åland Islands (Ahvenanmaa archipelago) - about 6,500 islands.
Climate: Due to its continental climate with warm summers, South-East Finland has the highest average summer temperatures in all of Scandinavia. The west coast of Finland is one of the sunniest places in Northern Europe.
Population: The country's population (estimated for 1995) is about 5,046,000 people, with an average population density of about 15 people per sq. km. More than two-thirds of the population lives in the southern third of the country. Ethnic groups: Finns - 93%, Swedes - 6%, about 2,500 Sami live in the north, other minorities make up less than 1 percent. Population in the largest cities: Helsinki (500,000 people), Tampere (174,000 people), Turku (160,000 people), Oulu (102,000 people), Kuopio (81,500 people), Pori (76,500 people). Average life expectancy (as of 1992): 72 years for men, 80 years for women. The birth rate (per 1000 people) is 12, the death rate (per 1000 people) is 10.
Language: Finland has two official languages: Finnish and Swedish. In the northern regions they speak Sami. English and German are also widely used in the business and tourist environment - you can safely speak in English, they will understand you. However, a few phrases in Finnish will be pleasant to any resident of Suomi.
Religion: Evangelical Lutheran Church - 90%, Orthodox Church.
Currency: Euro (EURO), 1 EURO = 100 EURO cent. Banknotes: 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 euros. Coins: 2 and 1 euro; 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.
Currency exchange: Banks are open from 9.15 to 16.15 on weekdays.
Visa: The processing time for documents at the embassy is up to two weeks. To obtain a visa, you must provide an international passport, 2 application forms with photographs (The photograph must be color, full face, size 36x47 mm, head height (from the tip of the chin to the top) 25-35 mm. The photograph must be taken no earlier than six months ago, the image of the applicant must match its modern appearance. The background should be one-color, light, but not white, preferably a blue shade.), an invitation - tourist, private or official - and, if children are accompanying you, a notarized consent of the second parent for the children to travel.
Customs regulations: Tourists are allowed to import into the country duty-free 1 liter of alcoholic beverages with a strength of 22 to 60 degrees (or 2 liters of drinks with a strength of 12 to 22 degrees, or 1 bottle of champagne) + 2 liters of wine with a strength of up to 12 degrees + 15 liters of beer. Most Russian citizens take advantage of this opportunity, since Finland has very high prices for alcoholic beverages. Age restrictions for transporting strong drinks are 20 years, for beer - 18 years; 200 cigarettes or 250 g of tobacco. The age limit for transporting tobacco products is 16 years; 50 ml of perfume and 250 ml of eau de toilette; Carrying no more than 15 kg is allowed food products. Information from the Finnish Customs website.
Transport: The country is well developed sea transport- due to the convenient geographical location, it is possible to conduct active shipping, there is river navigation. An excellent network of roads and railways makes it possible to travel by train, car or bus. With the help of air transport you can get from the country to any corner of the globe.
Electricity: Voltage is 220V, plugs and sockets are required as in other European Union countries.
Connection: If you are calling from abroad to Finland, dial 358. You can call abroad through various telephone associations by dialing 990 or 999. Telephones are available both at kiosks on the streets and in public places and you can call either using coins , or a magnetic telephone card, which can be purchased at any kiosk. Reference number - information service 118.
Shops in Finland: Open from 9.00 to 18.00 on weekdays and from 9.00 to 15.00 on Saturdays. On holidays everyone
shops are closed. The Winter Sale starts on December 27th and continues throughout the month. The summer sale starts after Midsummer. Second-hand stores in Finland are labeled "UFF". If the store organizes a sale of goods, then there is the inscription “ALE”. In such stores you can bargain with the seller. Sales days in large stores at the end of the season are especially attractive. Store directors take into account that unsold items will have to be stored for a long time and sometimes increase discounts to 90%. When purchasing goods worth more than 40 EUR, many stores operate the TAX-FREE system, that is, when a foreigner leaves Finland, about 10% of the price of the goods is returned to him.
Emergency numbers: Ambulance - 112, fire brigade - 112, police - 112 or 10022. These services are called free of charge from anywhere in Finland. Address information service (telephones, addresses) - 118.
Holidays in Finland are for those who understand fairy tales. After all, Finland is the country of the northern lights and white nights, the birthplace of Moomin Troll, the Snow Queen and Santa Claus. Everything here is magical: the mirror-like surface of blue lakes, fast rivers, intricate outlines of sea shores, gold sandy beaches and dunes combined with the emerald greenery of pine forests, clear air and sparkling, crystal white snow.
Winter holidays in Finland
Tours to Finland in winter have become increasingly popular in recent years. New Year with the real Santa Claus is an unforgettable holiday for children and adults. The official residence of Santa is the city of Rovaniemi.
Beautiful ski resorts in Finland: Himos, Vuokatti, Ruka, Tahko, Ylläs, Levi, Saariselka will allow beginners to gain experience on relatively low hills. Snowmobile safaris, skiing, reindeer and dog sledding trips - this is not a complete list of entertainment offered in the best hotels in this hospitable country.
Summer holidays in Finland
Sea cruises on huge ocean liners, exciting excursion programs, lake and sea fishing - what could be more wonderful for a summer holiday?
Finland is famous for its rivers and lakes - the Mecca of water tourism in Europe. Suomi (as the Finns themselves call Finland) has more than 180 thousand lakes and approximately two-thirds of its territory is covered with forests. A variety of hiking and cycling trips, hunting and rafting will not leave any tourist indifferent.
Boat trips and sightseeing tours in Finland
The best way to get acquainted with the wonderful island labyrinth is by traveling by boat, water bus, yacht, vintage steamship or sailboat. Comfortable passenger ferries ply the sea between Finland, Tallinn and Sweden. There are regular sea connections with Germany.
The sea shores of the Åland skerry archipelago have long attracted lovers of boats and yachts not only for their island labyrinths, but also for their idyllic settlements. A boat trip from Turku to Naantali can give you an idea of the beauty of the surrounding archipelago. In Pietarsaari there is a wonderful opportunity to take a romantic sailing trip on the galleas Jakobstads Vapen, built on the model of an 18th century vessel.
On Lake Saimaa you can travel 300 kilometers by boat or sail, from Lappenranta to Joensu or Kuopio. A walk along lakes Päijänne and Näsijärvi will leave a great impression.
During excursions you will be able to see the wonders of nature, watch birds in beautiful water areas or seals in unique skerries. The coastal strip is dotted with small towns that host numerous music festivals.
and their attractions
Cities in Finland are relatively young, only five of them were founded in the Middle Ages as coastal fortresses (Oulu, Pori, Vasa, Kotka).
The central part of the capital of Finland, Helsinki, is a beautiful monument of the neoclassical era, rightfully considered a masterpiece of European urban architecture. Worth a visit here art gallery Athenaeum, National Museum, Train Museum, Stone Church and Ehrensvärd Museum, walk along Senate Square, see the Cathedral and the University building.
- the oldest city in Finland. Among the attractions of the former Finnish capital are the ancient district of Luostarinmaki, Turku Cathedral and the medieval Castle.
Rauma is an ancient city located on the southwestern coast of the country, considered the largest wooden settlement in Northern Europe.
Holidays in Finland for adults and children
Children are Finland's favorite guests; all possible entertainment is created for them: the Zoo Zoo, the Arctic Zoo Ranua, the toy and doll museum, the Valley amusement park Moomins", children's science center "Eureka", underwater world center "Sea Life", amusement park "Vassalandia", water parks "Serena", "Tropiclandia", dolphinarium, planetarium.
Special children's animation in Finnish hotels is unparalleled, and the convenience of traveling from Russia not only by plane, but also by railway- a very significant argument in choosing a vacation spot with a baby.
And, of course, speaking about children's holidays, one cannot help but recall once again Santa’s residence in fabulous Lapland. Celebrating New Year and Christmas in Finland, seeing Father Frost and ordering a gift from him for next year (this is possible here!) - isn’t it best gift Your child?
Details Category: Nordic countries Published 05/15/2013 16:46 Views: 5612Suomi (Suomi)– this is what the Finns themselves call their country. This is how it is named in the Novgorod chronicles of the early 12th century: Sum.
And translated from Swedish, Finland means “land of the Finns.”
But there is no unambiguous interpretation of the Finnish name (Suomi). There are several assumptions about this: some believe that the word Suomi comes from the Finnish suomu (“scales”) - the ancient inhabitants of these places sewed clothes from fish skin. Others suggest that the name of the country came from the name Suomi, but there is a third version: the country began to be called after the name of the area Sooma (“land of swamps”). There are other versions, philological ones, based on the lexical analysis of the word Suomi.
Be that as it may, in Russian and other languages this country is called Finland, is a friendly country inhabited by thorough and punctual people, somewhat slow, but extremely honest. Therefore, Finland is probably one of the least corrupt countries in Europe and the best country in the world for motherhood (recognized in 2013)
Finland (officially Republic of Finland) borders Russia, Sweden and Norway. The waters wash her Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Finland and Bothnia.
I would especially like to say about Lapland. Although it has never been a single state entity and is currently divided between four states: Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia (Kola Peninsula), it is Lapland that is considered the homeland Santa Claus, Father Frost and their Sami counterpart Mun Callsa.
State symbols of Finland
Flag– is a white rectangular panel with a blue Scandinavian cross.
Exist National (civil) And state flags of Finland.
National (civil) flag– a rectangular panel with a ratio of its width to length 11:18.
There are two types: rectangular and with “braids”. It has an image of the state coat of arms in a square in the center of the cross. The square has a thin yellow border, the width of which is 1/40 of the width of the crosspieces of the cross.
The rectangular state flag has the same proportions as the national flag.
National flag with “braids” has a width to length ratio of 11:19 and a length of “braids” equal to 6/11 of the flag’s width with a cutout depth of 5/11 of the flag’s width. The middle “braid” has as its base a horizontal cross of a blue cross and is equal in width to it. The other two “braids” form the upper and lower corners of the free part of the panel.
Coat of arms- a crowned golden lion in a scarlet field, the right front paw is replaced by an armored hand holding a silver sword with a golden hilt. The lion tramples with his hind paws a silver Saracen saber with a gold hilt. The shield is studded with 9 silver rosettes (according to the number of historical parts of Finland). Officially used only with 1978., although it first appeared around 1580 g. on the statue of the Swedish king Gustav I Vasa, installed in the Gothic cathedral of the Swedish city of Uppsala. a lion- an ancient Scandinavian symbol of power and might.
The coat of arms appeared in 1581 g., when the Swedish king Johan III approved the coat of arms of the Principality of Finland, an autonomous region of the Kingdom of Sweden.
Brief description of modern Finland
Form of government– mixed republic (form government, located between the presidential and parliamentary republics). Finland is a unitary state with one partial autonomy (Åland Islands).
Chief Executive– President, elected for 6 years.
Head of the government- Prime Minister.
Head of Parliament(educants) – speaker.
Capital- Helsinki.
Largest cities– Helsinki, Espoo, Tampere, Vantaa, Turku.
Territory– 338,430.53 km².
Population– 5,429,894 people. Finns make up 93.4% of the population, Finnish Swedes 5.6%, Russians 0.51%, Estonians 0.42%, Sami 0.15%.
official languages– Finnish, Swedish.
State religion- Lutheranism and Orthodoxy.
Currency– euro.
Economy- an economically developed country. Main sectors of the economy: forestry, information and telecommunications, metallurgy, energy, business services, healthcare, mechanical engineering, food industry, construction. Finland ranks first in the world in paper production.
Agriculture– agricultural lands occupy 8% of the entire territory of the country. Agriculture, like cattle breeding, is highly mechanized.
Climate– moderate, transitional from maritime to continental, and continental in the north.
In the picture: A. Rylov “Spring in Finland”
Education– secondary school: 9 years of study, from 7 years old. The school provides free textbooks and all stationery and teaches Finnish language, mathematics, natural history, and home economics. Teaching religion only with parental consent and in accordance with religion.
Library shelves are located in the corridor, access to them is free.
There are no grades given in the lower grades. Characterized by the words: “excellent”, “good”, “changeable” and “requires training”. From 4th grade, grades from 4 to 10 points; 10 – practically unattainable, 4 – worse than ever. There are ratings for behavior. From the 3rd grade, the first foreign language is added to the subjects - English. From 5th grade - second (German-French) by choice and desire. A foreign-language child is entitled to study his native language from the first grade. From the 7th grade they begin to learn the second state language - Swedish.
After graduating from school, you can continue your studies at a gymnasium or enter a secondary vocational educational institution.
Higher education can be obtained at universities or specialized institutes and at a military academy. Education in Finland is free.
In the picture: University of Helsinki
Administrative division– 19 provinces (regions), which are divided into communes (municipalities).
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Finland
Rauma
This is a city in western Finland, on the coast of the Gulf of Bothnia. Rauma famous for its high quality lace, famous for XVII century, and old wooden architecture in the city center.
Suomenlinna Fortress
Fortress Sveaborg(Swedish: "Swedish fortress"), or Suomenlinna(Finnish “Finnish Fortress”) is a bastion system of fortifications on islands near the capital of Finland, Helsinki. From the XVIII to the XX centuries. fortifications defended Helsingfors (Helsinki) from the sea. The fortifications of the fortress were built on 7 rocky islands that make up the “Wolf Skerries”.
Old church in Petjävesi village
Wooden church(a word usually used to designate Lutheran ceremonial buildings), built in 1763-1764 gg. near the town of Petäjävesi. She is listed world heritage UNESCO as an example of traditional Scandinavian church architecture. The church combines elements of the Renaissance, Gothic and Finnish wooden architecture.
Wood processing factory in Werl
Founded in 1872
by Finnish engineer Hugo Neumann. The water of the river turned a wheel, which started a mechanism that peeled the bark off the logs. In 1876, the factory completely burned down.
After the fire, the factory was rebuilt according to the design of the Vyborg architect Eduard Dippel. The complex of buildings included a residential building, a red brick factory building, various workshops, and a light brick mill warehouse. The factory produced white wood cardboard of various thicknesses, which was supplied to Russia, Europe and even South America. Over the course of a year, the factory produced 2,000 tons of cardboard, the same amount a modern paper mill produces per day. The factory's products were purchased by workshops producing packaging materials and cardboard-binding workshops.
The factory was closed in 1964, and in 1972 the first industrial museum in Finland was opened there.
Sammallahdenmäki
Necropolis of the Bronze Age. Includes 36 granite burial cairns (stone mounds) dating from 1500 to 500 g. BC e. The necropolis is located on a hill off the road between Tampere and Rauma. It is one of the most important Bronze Age sites in prehistoric Scandinavia.
Other attractions in Finland
Ukonkiwi
A small rocky island on Lake Inari, one of more than 3 thousand islands in this lake. In ancient times it was a sacred place for the Sami, serving them for sacrifices. Named after the elder Ukko, one of the highest deities in the traditional religion of the Finns, Karelians and Sami. On the western side of the island there is a sacrificial cave. IN 1873. In this cave, the English archaeologist Arthur John Evans found a fragment of a silver necklace. In summer, a cruise ship sails to the island.
Petroglyphs of Astuvansalmi
Rock art at Astuvansalmi (located in Finland on the shores of Lake Juovesi). This largest collection rock art throughout prehistoric Scandinavia, containing 65 drawings. The first report of the discovery of petroglyphs was published by Finnish archaeologist Pekka Sarvas in 1968, although local residents knew the images earlier.
Currently, the drawings are located at a height of 7.7 -11.8 m above the level of Lake Saimaa. But at the time the drawings were created, its level was higher. The oldest of the petroglyphs date back to about 3000 - 2500 years. BC e.
Santa Claus Village
An amusement park in Finland dedicated to Father Christmas, who is called Joulupukki in Finland, and Santa Claus in English-speaking countries. Located in the province Lapland.
According to tradition, it is believed that Santa Claus was born in Lapland. Santa Claus Village is considered the direct residence of Santa Claus and is therefore one of the most visited tourist destinations in Finland.
Moominland
Book series heroes theme park Tove Jansson about the Moomins. The park is located on the island. Kailo near the old town of Naantali. A 250-meter pontoon bridge leads to the island. Part of the journey can be made on a special “Moomin Train” that runs between the park and the central part of Naantali.
Artists dressed as book characters entertain and hug children and put on various shows for them. Among the park's attractions are the Moomin House, "talking trees", a labyrinth, etc. The theater hosts performances in Finnish and Swedish several times a day.
There is also a children's theme park on the neighboring island. Vyaska Adventure Island, whose entertainment is dedicated to the theme of the “wild West”. In winter, you can get to the islands freely, including on ice.
Hartwall Arena
Large multifunctional indoor arena located in Helsinki. The construction of the stadium was timed to coincide with the World Hockey Championship in 1997., architect Harry Harkimo. The building has the shape of an ellipse, 153 meters long and 123 meters wide. World championships in hockey, floorball (indoor hockey), wrestling, karting, etc. are held here.
Kiasma (Museum of Contemporary Art)
The most visited museum in Finland. It belongs to the Finnish National Gallery together with the Ateneum Art Museum, the Sinebrychoff Art Museum (Gallery) and the Central Art Archives of Finland.
The building was designed and planned over a period of 40 years. It was opened in the spring 1998.
The museum's collections contain about 4,000 exhibits of contemporary art.
Athenaeum (Helsinki)
Central Art Museum Finland. The museum has the largest art collection in Finland, with more than 20 thousand exhibits: paintings, sculptures, graphics and drawings, starting with works of the 1750s and ending with the work of artists of the 1950s.
Above the main entrance there are busts of famous figures of classical art: Donato Bramante, Raphael and Phidias. The last floor is completed by a pediment supported by four caryatids, which symbolizes the four types of art: sculpture, architecture, painting and music.
Helsinki Music House
Musical Cultural Center in Helsinki. Open at 2011. The House of Music has five halls: Big hall for 1,700 spectators and four small halls for chamber music playing, modern dance, musical experiments, jazz and folk music, and organ Hall with two large and two small organs. In addition to performance spaces, the House of Music has a conference room, as well as classrooms for the Sibelius Academy.
Senate Square Helsinki
In the picture: on the left is the University of Helsinki, in the center is the Cathedral, on the right is the building of the Senate (State Council).
The square is in the central part of the city, it is a kind of “calling card” of the city.
The area is divided in style late classicism after Finland joined Russian Empire. IN 1830-1852. architect Karl Ludwig Engel erected a monumental Nikolaevsky sobo R. In front of the cathedral is monument to Alexander II. It was installed in 1894 in memory of the restoration of Finnish parliamentarism by Emperor Alexander II.
Abo Castle
Turku Castle (Abo Castle)- a Swedish castle in the city of Turku, which was acquired by close modern look during the reign of Gustav Vasa. It is one of the most remarkable medieval castles in Finland. Located at the mouth of the Aurajoki River. The original construction dates back to the end XIII century In the Middle Ages and XVI century. expanded several times.
Since the end of the 16th century, Turku Castle has been used as a prison and storage facility. And from the end of the 19th century. served as a museum. In 1941, as a result of the bombing of the Soviet air force, it was significantly damaged.
Currently, Turku Castle is one of the most important monuments in the history of construction in Finland. In the premises of the castle there is historical Museum city of Turku.
National Museum of Finland
The museum exhibits a large number of exhibits related to the history of Finland. Construction of the building was completed in 1910 Exposition National Museum divided into six parts. It presents collections of coins, medals, orders and insignia, silver, jewelry and weapons. Many exhibits were found during archaeological excavations in Finland.
Alexander Theater (Helsinki)
One of oldest theaters Finland. The Alexander Theater has a unique atmosphere of the ancient imperial theater. Its history is connected with the great names of Russian and Finnish artists. They performed on the theater stage Fyodor Chaliapin, Maria Savina, Vladimir Davydov, Konstantin Varlamov, Maxim Gorky and others.
The theater was built on the initiative of the Governor-General of Finland Nikolai Adlerberg, who proposed to Emperor Alexander II to build a theater in Helsinki for the Russians. The theater was completed in October 1879 and was named the Alexander Russian National Theater in Helsinki. The theater was named after Alexander II, who covered a significant amount of expenses from his treasury.
The Alexandrovsky Theater was inaugurated on March 30 1880. Charles Gounod's opera "Faust" performed by the Italian opera troupe.
Korkeasaari
Zoo on the island of the same name in Helsinki. One of the northernmost and oldest zoos in the world. The zoo has more than 200 species of different animals, as well as over 1000 different species of plants. The zoo's collection includes more than 20 rare and endangered species of animals.
The zoo has created a special service to care for wild animals in need. Approximately 1,300 animals are treated in Korkeasaari every year.
Temppeliaukio
In the picture: copper roof of the church
Lutheran parish church in Töölö, one of the central districts of Helsinki. It is amazing because it was created in rock.
The interior of the church was carved out of the rock, but the building has a lot of natural light coming through the glass dome. The church has excellent acoustics. Acoustic quality is provided by rough, virtually untreated rock surfaces. The space behind the altar is limited by a majestic stone wall, which arose naturally after the melting of the glacier. Inside the building there is an organ consisting of 43 pipes.
In the picture: church organ
Temppeliaukio Church is one of the most popular attractions in the city.
Olafsborg
The first Swedish fortress built to withstand gunfire. Located in the municipality of Savonlinna in the province of Southern Savonia on a rocky island. Under the protection of the castle, a settlement arose, which in 1639 became the city of Nyslott (Neishlot).
Castle St. Olaf was laid by order of the regent Eric Tott in 1475 g. in case of war with the Grand Duchy of Moscow, which annexed Novgorod.
During the Northern War, the fortress became one of the main obstacles on the way of Russian troops deep into Sweden. But on July 28, 1714, the fortress garrison surrendered to Russian troops. In 1721, under the terms of the Treaty of Nystadt, the fortress was returned to Sweden.
During the next Russian-Swedish war, Russian troops in 1742 again approached Olavinlinna. The garrison of the fortress consisted of only a hundred people and two days later they laid down their arms. In 1743, the Peace of Abo was concluded, according to which the fortress went to Russia along with the entire Savonlinna region.
Currently, Olavinlinna is one of the major tourist centers in Finland. Within the walls of the fortress there are museums dedicated to the history of the castle and Orthodox icon painting.
Helsinki Cathedral
The main church of the Helsinki Diocese of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland and the home church of the cathedral parishioners' community.
The construction of the cathedral proceeded in parallel with the construction in St. Petersburg St. Isaac's Cathedral, with which Helsinki has much in common. The temple was inaugurated on February 15 1852. He was dedicated Saint Nicholas, patron saint of the reigning emperor Nicholas I, and was named the Church of St. Nicholas.
Eureka (museum)
In the picture: Archimedes screw (animation)
Science Museum in Vantaa, near Helsinki. Today it is Scandinavia's main science museum. The museum was opened in 1989.
In the museum building and on its territory there are over 100 exhibits demonstrating various physical laws and experiments. Each museum visitor can become a participant in the experiment, as well as watch a film in the planetarium. On the territory of the museum there is a collection of Finnish minerals, as well as an arboretum.
The complex consists of three pavilions and the GALILEI science park. The cylindrical pavilion houses the main exhibition and laboratories in which children can conduct laboratory works instructor-led, Eureka Children's with the popular Rat Basketball, and the Minerva Theater. The columned pavilion houses Eureka classics: illusion exhibits, a carpet that flies using compressed air, air cannons, and visitors can lift a car through a system of rope pulleys. The column and spherical pavilions host temporary exhibitions, and the open-air science park features a wind machine, Archimedes' screw, swings and bridges.
Olympic Stadium (Helsinki)
The largest sports arena in Finland.
Construction of the stadium continued from 1934
By 1938. The tower of the Olympic Stadium is tall 72
m 71
see in honor of Matti Järvinen's javelin throw record at Olympic Games 1932 Capacity - 40 thousand spectators. Internal view The arenas are reminiscent of the ancient stadiums of antiquity.
Saimaa Canal
A shipping canal between Lake Saimaa in Finland and the Gulf of Finland near the city of Vyborg. The total length of the canal is 57,3
km. The canal was built in 1845-1856. in the Grand Duchy of Finland. Grand opening channel took place on September 7 1856 in honor of the emperor's coronation day Alexandra II.
On November 20, 2011, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed the law “On the ratification of the Treaty between Russian Federation and the Republic of Finland on the lease by the Finnish Republic of the Russian part of the Saimaa Canal and the adjacent territory and on the implementation of navigation through the Saimaa Canal."
Ski resorts Pyhä and Luosto
Ski resorts Pyhä And Luosto surrounded by forests national park Pyhätunturi in Lapland. Wonderful conditions have been created here for a winter holiday. Ski slopes and cross-country ski trails are highly groomed. Alpine skiing, snowmobiling, sleigh rides, reindeer sledding, winter fishing- all this is available to tourists. Plus, Lapland cuisine.
Oulanka (national park)
Oulanka– a unique combination of northern, southern and eastern nature. Landscape presented pine forests, river valleys with sandy banks and rapids, huge swamps in the north. The park is protected by the World Wide Fund for Nature from intensive reindeer herding. The park area is rich in plant and animal species, even those that are endangered. There is also a research center adjacent to the visitor center. River beds and alluvial meadows are home to rare species of butterflies and more than a hundred species of birds. Most of the meadows are traditionally used for reindeer herding. Among the mammals of the park - bear, lynx and wolverine, and among birds - rare species: Kuksha and wood grouse.
Koli (national park)
The national park is popular in winter ski resort, a holiday destination mainly for tourists from Russia.
The ski slope on Ukko-koli is the highest in all of Southern Finland (its height 347 m).
Turku Cathedral
The main Lutheran church in Finland. Built in the second half XIII century., consecrated in 1300 in honor of the Virgin Mary and the first bishop of the country - St. Henry, who baptized Finland. Built in the North Gothic style, which for a long time became a model for the construction of other churches in Finland. In the Middle Ages, the cathedral was rebuilt and expanded. In the 15th century Side chapels were added to the cathedral. Later, the height of the vault of the central nave was increased to modern sizes (24 m). In 1827, the cathedral was seriously damaged by fire. The 101-meter tower of the cathedral was built during the restoration of the cathedral and became a symbol of the city of Turku.
Assumption Cathedral (Helsinki)
Cathedral Diocese of Helsinki, Archdiocese of Finland. It was built according to the design of the Russian architect A. M. Gornostaev in the pseudo-Byzantine style in 1868. Named in honor of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The chapel at the cathedral was consecrated in honor of the holy martyr Alexander Khotovitsky, who until 1917 was the rector of the Helsingfors parish.
At the moment, the Assumption Cathedral is the largest Orthodox cathedral in Northern and Western Europe(at the time of construction, Finland was part of the Russian Empire). Total height of the structure – 51 m.
Monument to Sibelius
This is a somewhat unusual monument, which Finns still have ambivalent attitudes towards, although it is often visited by tourists. Its author is Eila Hiltunen, she worked on the monument for several years. The uniqueness of the monument is that it is an ensemble of several hundred copper pipes. However, such a monument is fully consistent with its purpose, considering that Jean Sibelius– composer. Let's tell you a little about him.
Jean Sibelius (1865-1957)- Finnish composer of Swedish origin. He was born into a doctor's family, but the whole family was musical, the children played various musical instruments. He studied music in Germany. His debut as a composer took place with the performance of the symphonic poem “Kullervo”, op. 7, for soloists, male choir and orchestra based on one of the Finnish legends folk epic Kalevala. These were years of unprecedented patriotic upsurge, and Sibelius was proclaimed the musical hope of the nation. He is the author of symphonic music and music for dramatic theater (16 works in total), the author of piano, vocal works, music for organ, etc. His symphonic poem “Finland” occupies a special position in Finnish national culture, which is a musical illustration of the history of the people and had an anti-Russian direction. Melody was a success and became the national anthem.
In Finland, Sibelius is recognized as a great national composer, a symbol of the country's greatness. During his lifetime, he received honors that were given to only a few artists: numerous streets of Sibelius, Sibelius parks, the annual music festival “Sibelius Week”. In 1939, the Musical Institute, where Sibelius studied, received the name Sibelius Academy.
Repovesi (national park)
Previously, logging was carried out here, but after the creation of the national park, the territory was restored to a state close to its original state. Mostly they grow here pine trees And birch trees. Animal world
: bears, deer and various birds. There are also lynxes, moose, owls, red loons, and birds of the gallinaceous family. The Koukunjoki River flows through the park. There are also streams and lakes
The attractions are Olhavanvuori hill, popular among rock climbers, the Kultareitti water route (Finnish: “Golden Path”). In the park in Kuutinlahti Bay, timber rafting canals, the Lapinsalmi suspension bridge 50 m long, weighing 5 tons, and several observation towers have been restored, of which the tallest is the “Elving Tower” with a height of 20 m.
Nuuksio (national park)
In the picture: common flying squirrel
This is the closest national park to Helsinki. Founded in 1994., its area is 45 km². There are 4 marked hiking routes, campsites, places for grilling, berry and mushroom picking. The symbol of the park is the animal that lives here. common flying squirrel (flying squirrel), there are dozens of endangered bird species: for example, nightjar, wood lark.
Tank Museum (Parola)
Military History Museum in Finland. Here, exhibitions and technical samples of tank and anti-tank units of the Finnish Defense Forces are collected and studied.
The museum is open from 1961 The museum's territory is constantly expanding; in 1986, a railway track with an armored train was built. The museum's operating equipment took part in various parades, performances and filming. Light tanks, medium tanks, heavy tanks, assault guns, armored vehicles, and self-propelled artillery units are exhibited here.
In the picture: Soviet SU-152
Särkänniemi
Amusement park in Tampere. Open at 1975., its area is 50 thousand m². In addition to numerous attractions, the park has a planetarium, an aquarium, a mini-zoo and a dolphinarium. The park is also home to the Sarah Hilden Art Museum.
In the picture: performance at the dolphinarium
Ranua is the northernmost zoo in the world
It opened in 1983. Several dozen species of arctic and northern wild animals live here in conditions as close to natural as possible: polar and brown bears, lynxes, wolves, moose, owls, reindeer, etc.
Ranua Zoo is also famous for the fact that in November 2011, “Umka from Ranua” was born here - polar bear cub. Polar bears practically do not reproduce in captivity.
Tahko
Ski resort and year-round tourist center in Finland. Located in Nilsia, 70 km from the city of Kuopio. There are a variety of recreational opportunities available here: skiing And cross-country skiing, snowmobile safaris, golf, mountain biking, horse riding, hiking, kayaking and canoeing, rowing and fishing, bowling, swimming spa pool, etc.
History of Finland
Prehistoric period
The first mention of Finland appears in 98 g. in essays Tacita. He describes the inhabitants of this country as primitive savages, who know neither weapons, nor horses, nor dwellings, who eat herbs, dress in animal skins, and sleep on the ground. Their only weapons are spears, which they make from bone. Tacitus distinguishes between the Finns and the Sami (a neighboring people who lived in the same territory and apparently had a similar way of life). But there are conflicting theories about the origin of the Finns, so let this question remain for discussion among specialists. Presumably, Neanderthals also lived here. Findings made in 1996 in Wolf Cave(stone tools), indicate traces of human activity by age 120 000 years. The Wolf Cave is located in Finland, near the city of Kristinestad, on the banks of the Karijoki River. It is unique in that during the last ice age it was hidden by the thickness of the glacier and was located below sea level.
In the picture: inside the cave
On the territory of modern Finland, the remains of the most ancient settlements were found in the area of the Gulf of Finland and the Gulf of Bothnia and Lake Ladoga, the more northern areas were still occupied by continental ice at that time. The ancient inhabitants were hunters, gatherers and fishermen. There is no consensus regarding the language they spoke. The most likely way of forming the population of Finland was the mixing of the indigenous and newcomer populations. Gene analysis data indicate that the modern gene pool of Finns is 20-25% represented by the Baltic genotype, about 25% by Siberian and 25-50% by German.
1,000 years after Tacitus, it became possible to talk about the existence of three branches of the population: “the Finns themselves,” who lived in the southwest of the country or Sum (Suomi); Tavasts - in Central and Eastern Finland or Em; Karelians - in South-Eastern Finland to Lake Ladoga.
In many ways they differed from each other and often fought with each other. Having pushed the Sami to the north, they had not yet had time to merge into one nationality.
Finland before 1150 AD
In the first 400 years AD. e. there was no state or cultural entity here yet. The climate and nature were harsh, and new production methods were slow and difficult to come from the early agricultural societies of the Mediterranean. Nose V By 9th century. n. e. The population of the coastal areas of the Baltic region grew. With the spread of cattle breeding and agriculture, the stratification of society intensified, and a class of leaders began to emerge.
Before VIII century. the settled population was concentrated mainly on the southwest coast and in the fertile areas along the Kumo River and its lake system. Elsewhere in the region there was a nomadic Sami population who migrated over large areas and engaged in hunting and fishing. In the middle VIII century. The climate warmed, the region began to be populated, and culture emerged. Gradually, the settlement of the southern shores of Ladoga by Slavic tribes began.
Since about 500, the Åland Islands have been inhabited by North Germanic tribes. IN Viking Age(800-1000) Swedish Vikings began to create strongholds of trade on the southern coast of Finland, and then the Swedish element began to penetrate into Finnish society. At the end of the Viking Age, competition began between the states on the Baltic Sea in the colonization of Finnish lands, whose population was in paganism. At the same time this time was era of Christianization(Catholicism and Orthodoxy). In general, Christianization took place in a calm atmosphere.
Finland under Swedish rule (1150-1809)
The Swedes called Finland "Esterlandia" (" Eastern country"). TO XII century. Swedish power in Finland increased. Near 1220 g. The Swedes founded the episcopal see in Finland. The first bishop was the British priest Thomas. Under him, the Swedes equipped an army led by jarl(the first dignitary) to weaken the influence of Novgorod, but failed in a night skirmish with the prince’s unexpectedly attacking army Alexander Nevsky on a tributary of the Neva River Izhora at its mouth in 1240 Subsequently, a memorial stone was erected at the site of the skirmish (which still exists today), and the prince, who took personal part in it, received an addition to his name "Nevsky".
Marshal Torkel Knutsson during the third crusade in 1293 g. made a campaign against the Novgorodians, conquered southwestern Karelia and founded a 1293 g.Vyborg Castle, and in 1300 the Swedes built the Landskrona fortress on the banks of the Neva River, which a year later was taken by the Novgorodians led by the son of Alexander Nevsky, Prince Andrey Gorodetsky, after which the fortress was destroyed. Hostilities between the Swedes and Novgorodians continued almost continuously until 1323 g., when the Swedish king Magnus Ericsson concluded with the Novgorod prince Yuri Daniilovich peace treaty on Orekhovy Island at the source of the Neva River. This treaty established the eastern border of Swedish possessions.
Boo Jonsson
One of the most influential figures XIV-XV centuries. was Boo Jonsson, the largest landowner in Sweden, who contributed to the accession to the throne of Albrecht of Mecklenburg in the election of king in 1364. Bo Jonsson soon received the position drotsa(highest chancellor of the kingdom). The king depended on Jonsson's economic support, so the latter managed to buy out most of the royal estates and become the de facto ruler. Bu Jonsson had the strongest power over the Finnish estates, which became, as it were, his own state within a state.
He imposed feudal orders there, but they did not take root in this poor, uncultured and sparsely populated country.
Kalmar Union (1389-1523)
Margaret of Denmark, who concluded the Kalmar Union, was recognized in Finland as queen in 1398 g., 9 years later than in Sweden, and its heir was Eric Pomeranian(1412-1439), who enjoyed the love of the people in Finland.
IN XVI century. started in Finland Reformation. Bishop of Turku Michael Agricola(1510-1557) translated into Finnish alphabet New Testament
. Fully Bible was transferred to 1642
d. After this, the rapid development of national Finnish culture began.
During the reign of Gustav Vasa (1523-1560)
Under Gustav Vas, the colonization of northern empty spaces and centralization in the economy began. In order to compete with Tallinn (Revel), located on the Estonian coast Helsingfors was founded. Gustav Vasa strengthened royal power and increased the importance of the nobility. Taking away lands from the clergy, he distributed them to the nobles. The first serious manifestations of separatism of the Finnish nobles date back to this era, although attempts to isolate Finland did not enjoy the sympathy of the people: they remained loyal to the legitimate government, seeing in it protection against the aristocrats. Realizing that it was difficult to govern Finland from Stockholm, Gustav Vasa in 1556 gave his son Yuhana title of Duke of Native Finland. This gave Johan the opportunity to pursue an independent policy. After the death of Johan, an internecine war began.
Great Power Time (1617-1721)
This time Gustav II Adolf, even during his lifetime called the “Hero King”, or “Lion of Europe” - Sweden reached the pinnacle of its power.
Among external events, the most important for Finland was Treaty of Stolbovo (1617), according to which Russia ceded a vast area to Sweden: the so-called Kexholm district.
Time Charles XI (1660-1697) was dominance orthodox Protestantism. But while persecuting heretics, the church also resorted to educational measures. In 1686, a church charter was issued, which was repealed in Finland only in 1869. At the end of the reign of Charles XI, Finland suffered a terrible famine that exterminated almost a quarter of the population.
North War
IN 1700 Sweden went to war with all neighboring countries: Denmark, Saxony, Poland and Russia, who hoped for an easy victory over the Swedes. Military actions did not affect Finland for 10 years of war. But in the spring 1710 g. the Russians began a campaign in Finland, and to 1714 g. she was conquered. The period of occupation in Finnish historiography from the end of the 18th century. began to be called "Great Hard Time"" It is believed that over the years, about 8,000 civilians were deported from Finnish territory to Russia.
Russian troops were in Finland until 1721 g., when was concluded Nystadt Peace
. According to the terms of the peace treaty, Livonia, Estland, Ingria and Karelia went to Russia.
The era of Gustav III (1771-1792)
Gustav III put an end to the rule of the aristocratic oligarchy. On Tilsit Rendezvous (1807) between Alexander I and Napoleon the fate of Finland was decided; Among other secret conditions, France allowed Russia to take Finland away from Sweden. September 17 1809. The Treaty of Friedrichsham was concluded, according to which Sweden ceded Finland and part of the province of Västerbotten to the Torneo and Muonio rivers, as well as the Åland archipelago to Russia. According to the Friedrichsham Peace Treaty, Finland became “the property and sovereign possession of the Russian Empire.”
Russian rule (1809-1917)
Alexander I At the Landtag in Porvo, he made a speech in French in which he said: “I promised to preserve your Constitution, your fundamental laws; your meeting here certifies the fulfillment of my promises.” The next day, the members of the Sejm took an oath that “they recognize as their sovereign Alexander I the Emperor and Autocrat of All Russia, the Grand Duke of Finland, and will preserve the fundamental laws and constitutions of the region as they currently exist.” IN 1812. became the capital of Finland Helsinki. The purpose of this was to provide an opportunity to territorially reorient the Finnish elite towards St. Petersburg. During this era, the Finns, perhaps for the first time in history, felt one nation, with a common culture, history, language and identity. A patriotic upsurge reigned in all spheres of public life.
Governing body Alexandra II became an era of rapid economic and cultural development of the country. In memory of the tsar and his “Era of Liberal Reforms,” which replaced 500 years of Swedish rule and ushered in the era of state independence, a monument to him was erected on Senate Square.
Alexander III and especially Nicholas II pursued a policy of limiting Finnish independence.
IN 1908-1914 The policy of Russification continued, and the activities of the Finnish parliament were blocked by the tsarist veto. At the same time, a wave of patriotic protest arose in the country. During the First World War, sympathy for Germany intensified.
Finnish independence
After October revolution 1917. The question of the legal status of Finland in Russia was never resolved. This made it possible to declare an independent status, due to the lack of eligible applicants for agreements with Finland. A similar situation occurred with Poland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and other outskirts of the Russian Empire. 31th of December 1917 Soviet government (Council people's commissars), headed by Lenin, recognized Finnish independence. Official ratification took place on January 4, 1918. The Scandinavian countries recognized the new state later, followed by France and Germany, and 18 months later by England and the USA.
On May 27, 1918, a new government was formed, headed by a member of the Old Finns Party Juho Paasikivi.
After finishing civil war in Finland with the victory of the “whites”, Finnish troops in May 1918. moved beyond the borders of the former Grand Duchy to occupy Eastern Karelia. May 15 1918. The Finnish government has officially announced war against Soviet Russia. Controversial issues with Soviet Russia were settled thanks to a peace treaty signed in Dorpat (Tartu) in October 1920. In the same year, Finland was admitted to the League of Nations.
In the early 1930s, Finland entered into secret agreements with the Baltic states and Poland on joint action in the event of a war between one or more countries with the USSR.
Before the outbreak of World War II, Finland maintained neutrality. Relations with the USSR deteriorated, especially after the conclusion of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact to include Finland, the Baltic countries and eastern Poland in the Soviet sphere of influence. Finland made a request to the Swedish government to strengthen the Åland Islands.
The Soviet-Finnish negotiations that took place in the fall of 1939 in Moscow did not lead to results. On November 26 there was an incident at the border Maynila incident(according to official Soviet statements, on November 26, 1939, on a section of the border near the village of Maynila, a group of Soviet military personnel was fired upon by artillery. Seven gun shots were fired, as a result of which three privates and one junior commander were killed, seven privates and two command personnel were wounded) . Each side blamed the other for what happened. The Finnish government's proposal to look into the incident was rejected. November 28 1939
Mr. Molotov announces the termination of the previously concluded non-aggression pact, November 30 1939 Soviet troops invaded Finland. At the request of the international community, the Soviet Union was expelled from the League of Nations for obvious aggression against a small country. Unexpectedly for the Soviet command, Finland put up strong resistance, but after some time the Finnish troops were forced to retreat. March 12 1940. A peace treaty was signed in Moscow: Finland ceded the peninsula to the USSR Fishing in the north, part of Karelia with Vyborg, northern Ladoga region, A Hanko Peninsula was leased to the USSR for a period of 30 years.
IN 1940. Finland, trying to implement plans to return lost lands and occupy new territories, went to cooperation with Germany and began to prepare for a joint attack on the Soviet Union. June 25, 1941.Finland declared war on the USSR. On June 29, a joint offensive of Finnish and German troops began from the territory of Finland. December 1941. The British government declared war on Finland. IN 1944. Finland began to look for ways out to peace. In September 1944. Finland signed an agreement on armistice with Great Britain and the USSR and pledged to facilitate the withdrawal of German military units from the country. In February 1947 between Finland and the USSR An agreement was signed according to which Finland gave up the Petsamo area, exchanged the leased Hanko Peninsula for the Porkkala-Udd area and paid reparations in the amount of $300 million.
Neutral Finland
After the war, Finland's position remained precarious for some time. There were fears that the Soviet Union would try to make Finland a socialist country. But Finland managed to establish a good relationship with the Soviet Union, to maintain its political system and develop trade with Western countries. This was the result political line Paasikivi - Kekkonen. The country had to balance between the USSR and the West for a long time.
Despite the need to pay reparations, life in the country gradually improved. In the post-war period, the Finnish economy developed at a high pace, including thanks to Soviet orders. Finland exported mainly paper and other forest products and used the money they earned to improve the welfare of society.
In the picture: Urho Kekkonen (left) and Juho Paasikivi
Finland is a country in Northern Europe, bordered by Sweden in the northwest, Estonia in the south, and Norway in the east. The country's population is 5.5 million people and the number of lakes exceeds 187,000. For this reason, Finland is often called the “land or country of a thousand lakes.” A comparison of the number of lakes with the population shows that there is one lake for every 26 Finns. Water covers 10% of the country's area, and another 70% is covered by forest vegetation. The combination of forests and lakes makes Finland one of the most picturesque countries in the world, and it is no wonder that it is among the popular tourist destinations in Europe.
The splendor of Finland
In addition to thousands of lakes, forests cover most of the country. The dominant tree species in Finnish forests include pine, birch and spruce. Finland is one of the most forested countries in Europe. Therefore, it is easy to identify two dominant colors of local landscapes: blue and green. The Lakeland region contains the largest number of lakes in Finland. The most big lake in Lakeland and the country - Saimaa, is for the Saimaa seal. In Lakeland you can often find people traveling inland waterways on cozy ships. Clean water is a great privilege for Finns. In the summer, most Finns head to lakeside cottages to relax away from city life. Activities for holidaymakers on Finnish lakes include barbecues, fishing, boating, swimming and canoeing. In winter, some lakes freeze and turn into ice skating rinks.
Why are there so many lakes in Finland?
Finland's many lakes were formed during the Ice Age thousands of years ago. Many centuries ago there were many glaciers on our planet. Then, about 10,000 years ago, glaciers began to melt, forming physical features such as valleys, depressions, mountains, and glacial mineral deposits. These features have shaped the Finnish lake landscape that exists today. Finland also includes the famous Åland Islands archipelago, which is a popular holiday destination for tourists. In addition to the Åland Islands, the country has 179,000 islands.
The impact of lakes on the Finnish economy
Lakes have been a great blessing to Finland, not only in terms of natural beauty, but also economically. Firstly, residents of Finland often go fishing. Secondly, many lakes provide transport for cargo ships that facilitate international trade. People can also travel around the lakes in different corners countries. In addition, the availability of water also contributed to the success Agriculture Finland. Another economic sector that benefits from the many lakes and breathtaking forest scenery is the tourism sector. Finns are proud of their land, and by law and custom they have access to all open areas, including forests and lakes.
What does the word Finland mean? Why do Finns call themselves "Suomi"?
In the first millennium AD, tribes settled in Finland sum (or suomi). In the mid-12th to 14th centuries, this territory was captured by the Swedes. Since then, the territory of present-day Finland has been inhabited by two peoples: Finns and Swedes. But the overwhelming majority of the population are still Finns. Accordingly, Finland has two official languages: Finnish and Swedish.
In Finnish, which is based on the Latin alphabet, Finland has the following spelling: Suomi, and the Republic of Finland - Suomen Tasavalta. In Swedish, they are Finland and Republiken Finland, respectively.
This is why Finns call themselves suomi.
In addition, the Sami people live in Finland, who, due to their small numbers, are classified as national minorities, and who should not be confused with the Suomi.
Finland is a later name for this area. Historically, it is correct to call the indigenous people of Finland not Suomi, but Sami, which is close in pronunciation. In terms of language, the Sami belong to the Finnish group of the Finno-Ugric branch of the Uralic family of languages, which includes the languages of the Finns, Komi, Estonians, some peoples of the Volga region and others, but the Sami language occupies a special place in it. Linguists identify a layer in the Sami language that goes back to the Samoyed languages. Finns do not call themselves Finns, but Sami (suomalainen). It will also be interesting to know that Finns call Estonians Virolainen (virolaiset). Finns call Russians in the manner of the European Vened Slavs, venlinen, in Estonian it is venelane, that is, Vened, Slav, Russian. Native to Lapland, i.e. Northern Finland - Sami, reindeer herder and fisherman. They lived in tents, rode sleighs, like their ancestors from distant Russia-Tartaria. In the open-air museum Rocca al Mare near Tallinn you can see such plagues and photos of Estonian Sami with a narrow squint like the Chukchi.
One of the books of the second half of the 19th century, published in St. Petersburg, provides a study of the nationalities of Tsarist Russia. This book directly indicates the connection with the name of the country suomi and the Sami people (Samoyeds = Sami Edny). I'll try to find it soon and provide quotes. Everything is relative. The truth is somewhere near.
You also need to find linguistic research on this topic.
Here's a simplified layman's view:
U northern peoples word-forming case - genitive or partitive. We take as a basis the nominative - suo (swamp, quagmire). Let's try to persuade:
marshy - soinen
(...) swamps - soilla
(...) bog - suolla
We don’t see any suomi here; in the first version, the partitive changes the form of the nominative, which is natural for many nouns in Finnish and Estonian.
We see the partitive soi and suo.
I know for sure that Soome and Viru are very sensitive to the purity of their language. Their entire culture is permeated with pagan attributes; they honor centuries-old traditions.
So suomi is not a country of swamps.
In all likelihood, the origin of the word Suomi can be explained by the fact that a tribe that bore this name lived in this territory. And the name of the country, literally translated from English and Swedish, is the land of the Finns.
Finland (the Finnish Republic) borders Russia in the east, Norway in the north and Sweden in the northwest.
Finland literally translates as the land of the Finns.
However, the residents of the state themselves call it Suomi. Why do Finns call themselves Suomi? There are several versions:
1) For the first time such a name appears in Russian chronicles from the beginning of the twelfth century in the form Sum. At first, only the coastal regions of the country were called this way, namely as Varsinais Suomi (real Finland). The word Suomi is of Germanic origin, meaning a gathering, group, detachment.
2) Other researchers believe that Suomi means scales (Finnish suomu), because the inhabitants of the country made their clothes from fish skin.
3) The third version is a word from the Estonian language, in which Sooma means land of swamps, swamp.
Let's take a look at the modern Finnish dictionary. What does it say about the land of swamps?
Finnish-Russian Russian-Finnish Dictionary 624 pages, Victoria Plus Publishing House, 2004.
If we take the word sum (tribe) as a basis
sumea - dull, cloudy, foggy
sumuinen - foggy
suo - swamp
suomia - beat, flog (with rods)
Suomuinen - scaly
Swamp- suo, neva
swampy - soinen
TasaValta - an equal state
In Russian Finland, in German Finnland, in English, in Swedish Finland is the land of the Finns, but in Finnish it’s just Suomi. There is no exact answer to where this name came from; there is a version that it comes from the word Sami - nomads living on this land. Another version is from the name of the area Soomaa (Estonian word, translated - land of swamps). Although the Finnish language has the word suomu, translated into Russian it means scales, ancient people, who lived on this earth, sewed clothes from fish skin.
It is interesting to see how the territory of Finland has changed over the centuries.
Nothing is known about the Finns at all. It’s not clear, no one knows where they came from - the Finns. Either they came from the wilderness of forests and swamps somewhere, or they were Transbaikal people. But even there the name of the people - Finns - has not been heard at all.
But seriously, people moved to Europe no earlier than 6000 years ago because it was under a glacier. -Finland - Finnish land (land). Suomi - Suomi - from Omi, a river in Russia that flows into the Irtysh River, in ancient times part of the territory of Belovodye. The name of the people - Suomi - was preserved by the Finns because this word was used among the people, but over time its meaning was forgotten. It is no coincidence that Slavic runic inscriptions are found on the territory of Scandinavia. Finns (more correctly - Finns) are ancient Slavic-Russians, like the Icelanders, Danes, Norwegians, Swedes, British, Scots, etc. The single people were territorially divided into countries after the collapse of the Slavic-Aryan empire. Replacing their writing with the Latin alphabet and writing new story, got different languages, although previously, differences between peoples were only in dialect, dialect. In 1697, the Swedish court master of ceremonies Sparvenfeld, in an official speech, also called himself “a true date of bitter heart.” Moreover, he wrote in Latin in Russian. This shows how Slavs are turned into non-Slavs. The example of current Ukraine, in 2017, clearly shows this. The Greeks used to call the Finns dates, Phoenicians, because of the purple color of the sails of their ships. The Phoenicians, Finnish Slavs, obtained purple from mollusks in sea shells, and they knew how to obtain different shades and colors from this dye. The Greeks (they also claim that the Greeks come from the Slavic word - sins) are an eastern people who adopted the Jewish religion, partially taking cultural heritage Slavs-Russians, after the collapse of the Slavic-Aryan empire. - a city of Phoenician-Slavs, which had Slavic name. The Greeks were not Hellenes. The Hellenes lived in Hellas. The Greek names Pallas and Hellas are the modified Slavic name of Lada, revered by the Russian Slavs. The Finns-Phoenicians-Slavs fought with the Greeks. Therefore, the Phoenicians were cruel and robbers and pirates and slave traders, which in fact was not the case. The Phoenician-Slavs are a peaceful, working people, they created a writing system that is more than 4,000 years old, and had developed crafts. They mined dye - purple, made fabrics and dyed them purple, mined and smelted metal and glass, were engaged in agriculture, gardening, cattle breeding, jewelry making, beautifully built ships, houses, fortresses, had their own cities all over Mediterranean Sea(now these are places in Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Tunisia, Spain, Italy and more), sailed to America, Africa, India, Indonesia. Other peoples also called them: Ants (was throughout Asia Minor), Sarmatians, Huns, Polovtsians (straw-haired), Etruscans, Trojans, Pelasgians, Canaanites, Scythians - these are all Russian-Slavs. Scythians are a distortion of the word skits, from the word monastery (enclosed place). Skitia is a real, ancient Russian one, to the north and west of the Chinese Wall. On the other side of China is China, which is still called that way. Kita - in Slavic, a large, high fence (barrier). The Slavs who moved from Skitia were called Scythians, with the loss of the original meaning of the word. The path of the Finns (Phoenicians, dates) to Europe: Iceland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland also ran through the territory of present-day Ukraine from Asia Minor, the Middle East, Palestine (Palestine - Paleny Stan - in Slavic - a hot country. For example, - along -Slavic - not hot. Syria on Miller’s map from 1519 is called Suria, which means Phenicia on Miller’s map from 1519, on the territory of present-day Turkey, where the city of Finike remains today.